Daily Recovery Readings
May 21, 2017

Daily Reflection

A LIST OF BLESSINGS

One exercise that I practice is to try for a full inventory of my blessings…

— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 37

What did I have to be grateful for? I shut myself up and started listing the blessings for which I was in no way responsible, beginning with having been born of sound mind and body. I went through seventy-four years of living right up to the present moment. The list ran to two pages, and took two hours to compile; I included health, family, money, A.A. – the whole gamut.

Every day in my prayers, I ask God to help me remember my list, and to be grateful for it throughout the day. When I remember my gratitude list, it’s very hard to conclude that God is picking on me.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“Although financial recovery is on the way for many of us, we found we could not place money first. For us, material well-being always followed spiritual progress; it never preceded.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 127~

Keep It Simple

Be not afraid of growing slowing, be afraid only of standing still. —Chinese proverb

All of us are a little afraid of growth. We wonder how growth will change our lives. Who will we be? Will our friend still love us? Can’t we grow up and get in over with? Why does it take so long?

All of us have a need to keep growing. There is no age when we’re “all grown up” and all done learning. But we don’t need to rush our growth. Like a child on a too-big bicycle, at times we’ll find ourselves out of control. We’ll tip over. We can grow at our own pace, but we must grow. We must make changes. Or else, like an athlete on a too-small bicycle, we won’t get far. We’ll tip over too!

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You may be feeling the pressure as you try to clarify your next move. Red lights are turning green and you are eager to hit the gas pedal. However, you don’t know your current location and your GPS can’t get a proper signal. Instead of admitting defeat, start asking questions and see who comes up with the best solutions. Just remember that there is no one correct answer to solving your lack of orientation. Continue to gather data points until you can see the big picture. Once you have your bearings, you’ll be free to ride into the future.

Daily Recovery Readings
May 20, 2017

Daily Reflection

ONE DAY AT A TIME

Above all, take it one day at a time. — AS BILL SEES IT, p. 11

Why do I kid myself that I must stay away from a drink for only one day, when I know perfectly well I must never drink again as long as I live? I am not kidding myself because one day at a time is probably the only way I can reach the long-range objective of staying sober.

If I determine that I shall never drink again as long as I live, I set myself up. How can I be sure I won’t drink when I have no idea what the future may hold?

On a day-at-a-time basis, I am confident I can stay away from a drink for one day. So I set out with confidence. At the end of the day, I have the reward of achievement. Achievement feels good and that makes me want more!

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“More than most people, the alcoholic leads a double life. He is very much the actor. To the outer world he presents his stage character. This is the one he likes his fellows to see. He wants to enjoy a certain reputation, but knows in his heart he doesn’t deserve it.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 73~

Keep It Simple

And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. —Matt. 15:14

The Twelve Step programs are sometime called self-help programs. But they’re not really, because we all help each other. We don’t stay sober by ourselves. Sometimes we call Twelve Step programs peer programs. And they are. All of us equal. No one is an expert. But we need to be careful who we choose for a sponsor. We each need to find someone who has been sober longer than us. Someone who understands the Steps. Someone who lives by them. Some we want to be like. We need to stick with the winners.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, I know I’m like a blind person who is just beginning to see. Help me follow the path of those who see better than I do.

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll list the people in my program I go to for help. Am I sticking with the winners?

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You might decide to fly beneath the radar today — maybe not even leaving the house. Thankfully, you have so much to do around your home that there’s no chance of boredom setting in. Nevertheless, a low-key anxiety may prevent you from enjoying this pause in your hectic life. Fortunately, the solution to dissatisfaction is simpler than you think. Dale Carnegie said, “Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions; it is governed by our mental attitude.”

Daily Recovery Readings
May 19, 2017

Daily Reflection

GIVING WITHOUT STRINGS

And he well knows that his own life has been made richer, as an extra dividend of giving to another without any demand for a return.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 69

The concept of giving without strings was hard to understand when I first came into the program. I was suspicious when others wanted to help me. I thought, “What do they want in return?” But I soon learned the joy of helping another alcoholic and I understood why they were there for me in the beginning. My attitudes changed and I wanted to help others. Sometimes I became anxious, as I wanted them to know the joys of sobriety, that life can be beautiful. When my life is full of a loving God of my understanding and I give that love to my fellow alcoholic, I feel a special richness that is hard to explain.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

3rd Step Prayer:

“God, I offer myself to Thee —to build with me and to do with
me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better
do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may
bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy
Way of life. May I do Thy will always!”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 63~

Keep It Simple

The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.—Marcus Aurelius

The struggles of life teach us a lot. They challenge our beliefs. As we struggle, we come to believe that our friends, family, and Higher Power will be there for us in hard times. But we must do our part. We need to call and honestly let people know how we are doing. We need to pray and ask our Higher Power for help. If we do these things, we’ll come to respect and learn from hard times.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray for the wisdom to see that struggles are part of live. Higher Power, I pray for Your help in not taking struggles too personally.

Action for the Day:
I’ll list four times I’ve struggled and what I learned from each stuggle. I’ll share this with a friend.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Someone may be creating trouble for you behind the scenes today. Nevertheless, you’re eager to ferret out the truth and take your adversary to task. In fact, you could be fearless now because you believe you are on the side of fair and ethical behavior. Unfortunately, it’s possible to fail on your mission because you overlooked an obvious red flag. Don’t initiate any significant changes until you double-check all your assumptions and conclusions. If your facts are wrong, it’s like building your house on shifting sand. If your foundation is strong, your actions will withstand the tests of time.

Daily Recovery Readings
May 18, 2017

Daily Reflection

FREEDOM TO BE ME

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 83

My first true freedom is the freedom not to have to take a drink today. If I truly want it, I will work the Twelve Steps and the happiness of this freedom will come to me through the Steps – sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. Other freedoms will follow, and inventorying them is a new happiness. I had a new freedom today, the freedom to be me. I have the freedom to be the best me I have ever been.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, There Is A Solution, pg. 25~

Keep It Simple

You cannot plan the future by the past.—Edmund Burke

We got tried of how we were living. We honestly looked at our life. We saw that alcohol and other drugs controlled our life. We met others who understood us. And we came to believe that a Power

greater than ourselves could help us. We turned our will and our life over to this Power. In so doing, we learned that life doesn’t take place in the past or in the future. We find our program in the present.

Prayer for the Day:
I pray that I’ll leave the past in the past. I pray that I’ll walk into each moment with my Higher Power.

Action for the Day:
The only time we revisit the past is when we tell our story. Today, I’ll tell my story to someone. I’ll tell what really happened. I’ll tell what life is like now.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Someone’s reactions to you may be confusing, and you want to get to the bottom of the puzzle today. Thankfully, the emotionally detached Aquarius Moon allows you to dig beneath the surface while maintaining an objective approach. Luna’s visit to your 8th House of Deep Sharing motivates you to talk about the secrets you uncover. Normally, you might be reluctant to stir up sensitive issues, but at least for now, you know you’re in safe hands. Be fearless enough to start a conversation that matters.

Daily Recovery Readings
May 17, 2017

Daily Reflection

. . . AND FORGIVE

Under very trying conditions I have had, again and again, to forgive others – also myself.
— AS BILL SEES IT, p. 268

Forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others are just two currents in the same river, both hindered or shut off completely by the dam of resentment. Once that dam is lifted, both currents can flow. The Steps of A.A. allow me to see how resentment has built up and subsequently blocked off this flow in my life. The Steps provide a way by which my resentments may – by the grace of God as I understand Him – be lifted. It is as a result of this solution that I can find the necessary grace which enables me to forgive myself and others.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“The spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it.”
~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 83~

Keep It Simple

Each day provides its own gifts.—Ruth P. Freedman

Spiritual growth is the greatest gift we can receive. And we earn it through taking risks. There is much risk involved in working the Steps: The risk of admitting that we’re out of control. The risk of turning our will and lives over to a Power greater than ourselves. The risk of letting go of character defects. The risk of making amends to people we’ve harmed. The risk of admitting our wrongs. The risk of telling our stories as we carry the message of hope. To grow spiritually, we need these adventures. These challenges. These risk.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me to take the risks that I need in order to grow.

Action for the Day:
I will look at today as an adventure with my Higher Power. I will list the fears I’ll need to let go of.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You may gain inspiration from a close friend or relative today, yet your vision comes with a cost. Seeing new possibilities for your future can be an eye-opening experience, but it also increases your ambiguity. Your excitement mounts when you start thinking about the unrealized potential in your life. Nevertheless, too many choices could be overwhelming, tempting you to seal yourself off in a bubble of safety. Tony Robbins notes, “It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.”

Daily Recovery Readings
May 16, 2017

Daily Reflection

WE FORGIVE . . .

Often it was while working on this Step with our sponsors or spiritual advisers that we first felt truly able to forgive others, no matter how deeply we felt they had wronged us. Our moral inventory had persuaded us that all-round forgiveness was desirable, but it was only when we resolutely tackled Step Five that we inwardly knew we’d be able to receive forgiveness and give it, too.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 58

What a great feeling forgiveness is! What a revelation about my emotional, psychological and spiritual nature. All it takes is willingness to forgive; God will do the rest.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“Resentment is the “number one” offender. It destroys more
alcoholics than anything else.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 64~

Keep It Simple

The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.
—Sydney J. Harris

Relaxing is one of the little joys of life. We can learn to take time from our busy day to chat with a friend, take a hot bath, or spend a few moments sitting alone under a tree. The busier we are, the more we need to take time to relax.

When we rest, we stop fussing about the outside world. We find out how we’re doing inside. While relaxing, we can best listen to our Higher Power. Our minds calm down. We put busy thoughts aside. Sometimes, we can almost hear our Higher Power say, “Stay quiet and listen! I have something to tell you!”

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your goals are inextricably entangled with the goals of others today, making it tricky to be clear about your personal objectives. Things are even more complicated because you could seek words of wisdom from your friends or coworkers, unaware of the biases that are influencing their advice. Nevertheless, an outside opinion can help you gain perspective on your own thoughts as long as you maintain an open mind and apply critical thinking. Author Alan Cohen wrote, “Personal growth is not a matter of learning new information but of unlearning old limits.”

Daily Recovery Readings
May 15, 2017

Daily Reflection

KNOW GOD; KNOW PEACE

It is plain that a life which includes deep resentment leads only to futility and unhappiness. . . . But with the alcoholic, whose hope is the maintenance and growth of a spiritual experience, this business of resentment is infinitely grave.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 66

Know God;
Know peace.
No God;
No peace.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“Simple, but not easy; a price had to be paid. It meant destruction
of self-centeredness. I must turn in all things to the Father of
Light who presides over us all.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill’s Story, pg. 14~

Keep It Simple

That day is lost on which one has not laughed.—French proverb

For a long time, we didn’t really laugh. It’s surprising when we think about it: we hadn’t really laughed for so long. . .we almost forgot how good we could feel. It feels so good to laugh again!

Now, our spirits come more alive each day. Now, we feel what alcohol and other drugs stuffed deep inside us. Pain, fear, and anger come up. But so do happiness and joy, thankfulness and a sense of humor. In early recovery, we work through the hard feelings. As we grow in the program, we have more and more room for happiness.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, wake me up to the joy and laughter that today hold for me. Don’t let me miss it!

Action for the Day:
Today, I’ll spread some laughter. I will learn a joke and tell it to three people.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You may need to stand up for yourself today, especially if someone with a desire for power thinks you’re in his or her way. Your best strategy is to lay your cards on the table, even if you are misinterpreting the situation. It’s healthier to clear the air than to harbor resentment over something that doesn’t even exist. However, if the perceived threat is real, your nemesis cannot maintain dominance once everyone’s intentions are out in the open. President Calvin Coolidge said, “The right thing to do never requires any subterfuge; it is always simple and direct.”

Daily Recovery Readings
May 13, 2017

Daily Reflection

IT’S OKAY TO BE ME

Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. . . . they have turned to easier methods. . . . But they had not learned enough humility. . . .

— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 72-73

Humility sounds so much like humiliation, but it really is the ability to look at myself – and honestly accept what I find. I no longer need to be the “smartest” or “dumbest” or any other “est.” Finally, it is okay to be me. It is easier for me to accept myself if I share my whole life. If I cannot share in meetings, then I had better have a sponsor – someone with whom I can share those “certain facts” that could lead me back to a drunk, to death. I need to take all the Steps. I need the Fifth Step to learn true humility. Easier methods do not work.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“Those of us who have spent much time in the world of spiritual make-believe have eventually seen the childishness of it. This dream world has been replaced by a great sense of purpose, accompanied by a growing consciousness of the power of God in our lives. We have come to believe He would like us to keep our heads in the clouds with Him, but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done. These are the realities for us. We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and a life of sane and happy usefulness.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 130

Keep It Simple

Make yourself an honest [person], and then you may be sure that there is one rascal less in the world. —Thomas Carlyle

Honesty does not mean saying all we think or feel. Many of our thoughts and feelings are only with us for a minute. They are not always the truth. For example, saying to someone you love, “I hate you!” in the middle of an argument can destroy things.

Honesty means living by what is true to us. Then we choose when and how to say things to others.

Think of honesty as the air we breathe; it’s what keeps us alive, but it can get polluted and kill. It must be treated with respect and care.

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me know the power of honesty. Help me speak it with care and respect.

Action for the Day:
Before I speak today I’ll ask myself: “Is this true? Am I speaking because this needs to be said?”

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

You’re not sure you can take someone’s words at face value today because you don’t trust your own interpretation of what you hear. You might even put up defenses if you think that others are trying to mislead you. Although intentional misdirection is unlikely, it is possible that your coworkers have an agenda now that’s quite different from yours. Nevertheless, their input can still be valuable if you’re secure enough to accept their advice. Confucius said, “A fool despises good counsel, but a wise man takes it to heart.”

Daily Recovery Readings
May 13, 2017

Daily Reflection

THE EASIER, SOFTER WAY

If we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 72

I certainly didn’t leap at the opportunity to face who I was, especially when the pains of my drinking days hung over me like a dark cloud. But I soon heard at the meetings about the fellow member who just didn’t want to take Step Five and kept coming back to meetings, trembling from the horrors of reliving his past. The easier, softer way is to take these Steps to freedom from our fatal disease, and to put our faith in the Fellowship and our Higher Power.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“…we aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.”

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 132

Keep It Simple

Hating people is like burning down your own house to get rid of a rat.
—Harry Emerson Fosdick

Hate is like an illness. It steals our hope, our love, our relationships. Hate puts distance between people. Hate can give us a false sense of power. Do I use hate to make myself feel important?
Our program tells us to let go of hate. Hate and sobriety don’t mix. Hate doesn’t let us connect with our Higher Power.

Ours is a program of love and respect. We’re taught that if someone treats us wrong, we still should be respectful in our response. Why? Because we’re changed by our actions. If we act with hate, we become hateful. If we act in a respectful way, we become respectable.

Prayer for the Day:
Hate is the drug of those who are afraid. Higher Power, help me to be free from hate today.

Action for the Day:
It’s self-centered to hate. Today, I’ll read pages 60-62 of Alcoholics Anonymous(Third Edition) about being self-centered.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your intentions are clear and you can visualize an action-packed day that leads to personal satisfaction. You might start out with high hopes of accomplishing everything on your agenda since your innovative plans catch a wave and immediately impact your progress in a positive manner. However, you’re wise to narrow your focus only to the very best of your ideas. Mythical Icarus acknowledged, “All limits are self-imposed.” But awareness isn’t enough; once you know the truth, you must act on it.

Daily Recovery Readings
May 12, 2017

Daily Reflection

THE PAST IS OVER

A.A. experience has taught us we cannot live alone with our pressing problems and the character defects which cause or aggravate them. If . . . Step Four . . .has revealed in stark relief those experiences we’d rather not remember . . . then the need to quit living by ourselves with those tormenting ghosts of yesterday gets more urgent than ever. We have to talk to somebody about them.

— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 55

Whatever is done is over. It cannot be changed. But my attitude about it can be changed through talking with those who have gone before and with sponsors. I can wish the past never was, but if I change my actions in regard to what I have done, my attitude will change. I won’t have to wish the past away. I can change my feelings and attitudes, but only through my actions and the help of my fellow alcoholics.

From the book Daily Reflections
Copyright © 1990 by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Big Book Quote

“In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine which course to take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy. We don’t struggle. We are often surprised how the right answers come after we have tried this for a while.” 

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Into Action, pg. 86

Keep It Simple

You can observe a lot just by watching. ~Yogi Berra

When we watch others, we learn how to “act as if.” We watch a patient person, and then we “act as if we’re a patient person. The result? Over time, we’ll become a patient person. We watch how good listeners listen, and we “act as if” we know how to listen. Then one day, we realize we’re really listening! We watch people who have faith, and we “act as if” we have it. Then over time, we become spiritual people!

Prayer for the Day:
Higher Power, help me find You in the people and events of my day.

Action for the Day:
I will “act as if” my Higher Power is standing next to me all through the Day.

Daily Horoscope – Cancer

Your self-confidence is a powerful tool today, but you hold it close to your chest. It’s as if it might become less useful if everyone knows how sure of yourself you are now. However, someone else’s knowledge can, in turn, catalyze yours. There’s no reason to be cocky; you don’t know everything. In fact, there’s an excellent chance that if you ask the right question, you’ll discover something very important. As philosopher Antonio De Nicolas said, “The search creates the reality.”